Ocean City

Ocean City is a city in Cape May County, New Jersey. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans, who set up fishing camps on the island during the summer months. Around 1700, John Peck used the island to store freshly hunted whales, and the island was known as "Peck's Beach" for years; in 1859, the beach had its first permanent resident. In 1879, four Methodist ministers established a Christian retreat and camp on the island, and they chose the name "Ocean City" and planned out the city's construction. In 1881, the first school was established, followed by the first bridge in 1883 and the first railroad in 1884. Ocean City was incorporated on 3 May 1884, and the town banned the manufacturing or sale of alcohol in 1909 due to its religious origins. It remained a dry town for decades, although 18.3% of its residents were reported to drink heavily. In 2016, Ocean City had population of 11,340 people.